Hogmanay: The Lassies and the Whisky.

                                  

                                    National Gallery of Scotland. (Alexander Nasmyth 1787.)

The end of yet another year is imminent, its passage notable for, and enhanced by, the absence of any catastrophe involving my family or my friends. 
And since its passage signifies one less left for us all, any consideration of the constituents of wisdom would mandate that they should not include reflection on past events which maybe the cause of remorse or recrimination, as such sentiments would not only be futile, but be an obstruction to any prospect of peace of mind.

And peace of mind is perhaps all we can achieve, or even hope for, apart from, as Rabbie Burns pointed out, the lassies and the whisky. 

(Or perhaps, peace of mind being the objective, just the whisky.)

So, in no particular order, I am trying valiantly to banish thoughts of things which are beyond my ability to influence or control, as well as things which have happened which may be a cause for pain and regret. 
Fuck the past, bring on the future - what's left of it, anyway.

I am therefore determined to refuse to fill my days with bitterness and anger at the callous unfairness and cynicism of right wing politics and the capitalist system (I'm looking at you, Rupert, you shit). 
Or at the gullible thickos who, by accepting their lies and distortions without question, gift power to those whose aims are diametrically opposed to their own. 
Or at the random capriciousness of fate. 
Or at the myth of natural justice. 
Or at incompetence and lack of dedication of those in positions of trust and responsibility.

My retreat from society progresses as I slowly evolve into what the Yanks like to call "a Loner".  
It is not that I am content with my own company, it's just that I prefer it to the company of the numpties, bigots and racists who infest this part of rural NSW.

(Being a Loner is not so bad, although they do get some bad press. 
In the event of an outbreak of serial murders in this area, I expect they'll come knocking on my door.)